Contributing to a Peace Economy in Northern Uganda: A Guide for Investors

International Alert has developed Contributing to a Peace Economy in Northern Uganda: A Guide for Investors with the input of business leaders from Northern Uganda gathered at several workshops and events during 2008-09. War remains a fundamental problem of our contemporary world. Armed violence exacts a terrible human, economic and social cost - and the 22-year long conflict in Northern Uganda has been particularly painful. As societies descend into war, peace can seem ever more elusive. Mistrust, revenge, short-term self-interest, chaos and destruction become the order of the day. Promoting and sustaining peace is a formidable challenge for the 21st century. Strikingly, more peace agreements have been signed since the end of the Cold War than were agreed in the entire two centuries prior. But peace is complicated - about half of all peace agreements fail within five years of being signed. A sustainable peace is much more than just an agreement - indispensable though the written agreement may be. Peace requires long-term commitment by political and military leaders and the broad population alike. All social groups have a role to play: the media and academics, citizens' organisations, and the private sector. It is often assumed that economic development led by the private sector will alleviate conflict and assure peaceful development. There is evidence to support this argument, but there is also evidence that shows how misjudged private sector development can exacerbate the potential for conflict. In some places, specific businesses have played particularly negative roles. Good business can be good for peace, but in practice the mechanisms for achieving this are complicated. read more...